Page:Hannah More (1887 Charlotte Mary Yonge British).djvu/150

138 principles without a good knowledge of Scripture. I own I have laboured this point diligently. My sister and I always teach them ourselves every Sunday, except during our absence in the winter. By being out about thirteen hours, we have generally contrived to visit two schools the same day, and carry them to their respective churches." As to the mistakes of her teachers, she allows that she had sometimes erred in her choice, and "the most vigilant prudence could only discharge such as proved to be improper." She adds, "I need not inform your Lordship why the illiterate when they become religious are more liable to enthusiasm than the better informed. They have also a coarse way of expressing their religious sentiments, which often appears to be enthusiasm when it is only vulgarity or quaintness. But I am persuaded your Lordship will allow that this does not furnish a reason why the poor should be left destitute of religious instruction. . . . Can the possibility that a few should become enthusiastic be justly pleaded as an argument for giving them all up to actual vice and barbarism?"

The new Bishop returned a hearty and kindly answer, wishing Miss More all success, and promising his protection and every encouragement he could give. From that time the persecution began to die away. Mr. Bere sank into obscurity, and when he died, in 1814, was recollected as having done nothing for the